How to Paint & Antique a Wood Carving

⚡️⚡️Join me and learn how to paint, finish, and apply antiquing to this DIY Gnome project for beginner whittlers and wood carvers. This step by step guide will teach you how to whittle, paint, and finish a cute little garden Gnome. This is an easy and satisfying project that's perfect for creating a hand made valentine's day gift.
#woodcarving #whittling
⚡️LEARN MORE
Check out the Whittled Lovelies Blog for interesting articles about whittling and wood carving - including an interview with your old Cousin Jack.
www.whittledlovelies.blog/
⚡️WILL CARVE FOR COFFEE
I've been receiving lots of messages from folks asking for more videos and tutorials, and I do my best to respond to every question or comment. If you want to thank, Sunni & I, we do love coffee! 😊 I have lots of ideas for future videos and the caffeine will help fuel the creative process.
www.buymeacoffee.com/cousinjack
⚡️FREE STUFF
Every 90 days I give away one of my carvings
Thanks for all the comments, questions and interest in my videos! I'm grateful that there are so many kind and generous folks in the carving community.
0:00 Intro
0:36 Boiled Linseed Oil
3:29 Applying Wood Stain
6:19 Painting a Wood Carving
21:20 Options for Making a DIY Strop
30:24 Uses for A Glass Tile
49:23 Valentine's Day Gift
56:56 Next Step, Clear Poly Finish
1:03:50 DIY Antiquing
⚡️What I Use To Wrap My Knife Handles (ad)
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⚡️The Acrylic Paints I Use (ad)
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⚡️The Water Based Polycrylic Finish I Use (ad)
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⚡️The Wood Finish Penetrating Stain I Use (ad)
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⚡️The Stain I Use in My Antiquing Solution (ad)
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⚡️Odorless Mineral Sprits For The Antiquing Solution (ad)
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Full disclosure, I sometimes recommend products that I have used and that I like enough to tell my friends about them. Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content.

[@whittling]

UPDATE: For my Cousins in the UK and other parts of the planet here's a helpful tip from Cousin Joe in the UK on how he finished his Gnome carving: " I didn't have all the things you used and some of them are pretty expensive in the UK. I dunked him in strong coffee, then used thinned Danish Oil to seal. Painted with watered down acrylics as you described then a coat of Danish oil. Antiqued with some burnt umber oil paint mixed with Danish oil and finished with a microcrystalline wax."👍

[@janiehall6095]

thanks for this video

[@whittling]

My pleasure Janie!

[@paulmatthews2111]

These are great tutorials. Detailed, simple tutorials like yours are sorely needed. PLEASE continue to provide these videos. My thanks to you and your wife for the time and effort.

[@whittling]

Hi Paul! I appreciate your interest and I’ll make sure to share your message with Sunni. I’m working on a new tutorial and it should be posted soon.

[@eldoncrew2152]

Thank you very much sir. I will be watching for it. Our what ever you decide to do. I will be here to see it. Thank you for your time and patience. I know that it is hard to try and please everyone. Prayers in. And God bless you and your family.

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Eldon! I appreciate your suggestion and your support!

[@billyt9885]

I like the gnome holder while painting

[@whittling]

Thanks Billy, I use the holders a lot. I have two and I'm thinking about adding another one. I appreciate you taking the time to post a comment.

[@necrozzz1874]

Thanks for all the effort you put into making these tutorials, they are amazing!

[@whittling]

Hi Enrique! I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying the tutorials. Thanks very much for taking the time to post your comment!

[@ThePisceanDragon]

Shelby’s mini fridge saved the day in multiple ways. 😆

[@whittling]

Yes, it all worked out OK... Just a minute, I have to lower the volume on the smooth jazz music that's playing in my head right now.

[@ThePisceanDragon]

@@whittling yet another outstanding Dad Joke. You’re on fire 🔥

[@jamienova9142]

It was so relaxing watching you paint. I just love this tutorial. Thank you for sharing this knowledge with us.

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Jamie! Some carvers don’t enjoy painting. For me, it’s almost as much fun as carving. Thanks for your comment.

[@Kevscancave]

Hello! From a fellow carver. Absolutely love your videos! “A Knife Can Erase A Lot” Love it! 😝 Take care. Kev’

[@whittling]

Hi Kev! Thanks very much! Yep, the knife is our “universal eraser “.😄 Thanks for your comment.

[@rayk5785]

Outstanding. Thank you. I’ll try some of this on my Christmas gifts this year.

[@whittling]

My pleasure Ray, happy to share!

[@user-22-]

👍🏼👍🏼 Awesome video!

[@whittling]

Thanks very much!

[@charlesreicks648]

Thanks I really enjoyed Sunny's Camera work it made it a learning video. You have a real nack for teaching. Thanks Tim

[@whittling]

Thanks I appreciate that very much! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the video.

[@ernestobatungbuhay9769]

This is awesome, I'm new in wood carving but by far this is the best how to paint wood carving, thanks for this step by step info and sharing your talent with us.

[@whittling]

Thanks Ernesto! I’m happy to hear that you found the video to be helpful. Thanks for taking the time to post your comment!

[@Lanztoronto]

Thank you for taking the time to teach this technique, it’s exactly what I was looking for 😍 I’m now a new subscriber!

[@whittling]

My pleasure, I'm happy to hear that the video is helpful for you. Thank you for posting a comment, I really appreciate it!

[@rwtisch]

Outstanding series! Thank you Jack🙏

[@whittling]

Hi Rich! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Wherethewindblows524]

I did thanks jack

[@whittling]

My pleasure Gary!

[@danielmilliken8903]

Tu much I enjoyed your easy step by step tutorial. It was pleasant to watch and helpful. Keep them coming.

[@whittling]

Thanks Daniel, I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel. More content is in the works.

[@graemejinks2198]

Excellent explanation of all that is being shown, exactly what a newbie to the craft needs! Thankyou. Graeme

[@whittling]

Hi Graeme! Thanks very much for your comment, I really appreciate it!

[@mikimhouse]

great series of videos. Thank you

[@whittling]

Thanks for watching, I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the series!

[@chrisperry6105]

Just watched your tutorial in the UK, as first time carver/whitler your speed at which you carve is brilliant, really easy to keep up, brilliant work thanks for sharing

[@whittling]

Thanks very much Chris! Nice to hear from a Cousin in the UK! I’m glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for taking the time to post a comment!

[@AnLe-yg9ln]

Thank you

[@whittling]

You’re welcome my friend. Happy carving!

[@MrShep75]

I used this painting and finishing technique. Worked great. Thank you for sharing

[@whittling]

Excellent! I'm happy to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and let me know.

[@TheVerbiousOne]

Thank you for this wonderful technique. I've been carving for less than 2 years and really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience. I will be trying this painting technique very soon! Thanks again Jack!

[@whittling]

Hi Pat! I’m happy to share this approach. There are many different methods and combinations of painting and finishing. I’ve experimented with a lot of them and I use 2 or 3 different methods depending upon the look I’m trying to achieve. Have fun!

[@TheVerbiousOne]

@@whittling I am finding that out as I go. I like the look of the watered down paints and really like the clean look (not muddy) look of the antique finish.

[@whittling]

@@TheVerbiousOne Sounds good Pat. Just a drop of paint can go a long way and if needed you can always add another coat.

[@exeter7414]

This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks! I've subscribed. :)

[@whittling]

My pleasure, I’m happy to hear that this video is helpful for you! Thanks very much for sharing your comment!

[@MrShep75]

Great video. I will try this technique. I like the handle and toothbrush idea.

[@whittling]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@cghhendrix2]

Thanks for this thorough video. Couple of questions: Are you still using the Polycrylic and so you still like it over polyurethane? Also, for the antiquing, what is your experience with the store-bought acrylic antiquing mediums such as those sold by Plaid? It seems like they accomplish the same thing, with less complexity and mess. Keep up the great videos!

[@whittling]

Hi Chris! Good questions. Yes, I still use the water-based polycrylic because it works and it's much easier to clean up my brushes with soap and water instead of mineral spirits needed for polyurethane finish. The only store-bought antiquing medium I have tried had some wax in it. The finish looked so bad I had to repaint my carving. It just looked muddy and dirty. Happy Carving!

[@garymetz9852]

That's a great color combination for the jeans. I think Folkart sells the color "denim" also. ...Great video series!

[@whittling]

Thanks Gary, I’m glad you enjoyed the series! I can always use more paint colors. 🙂

[@wjess3569]

I just found your channel.. Love it.. and love your easy going style of narration. You remind me of Bob Ross.. the TV painter.. but, he had more hair than you... grin.

[@whittling]

Welcome to the channel! I appreciate your kind comment and I agree. Bob Ross had a lot more hair than me for sure.😄

[@eldoncrew2152]

I finally found it. Thank you. For some reason I couldn't find it anywhere. We live in a very small town. And our stores aren't carrying Gel Stain. Is it possible for you to do a hillbillie in overhauls.

[@whittling]

Hi Eldon, I’m glad you were able to find the Gel Stain. I’ve carved some figures wearing overalls but I haven’t done it in a video yet. I’ll keep that in mind for a future video.

[@MrShep75]

Video idea: how to wood burn the bottom. I usually use a sharpie and seal it with wood glue. I have never owned a wood burner, but I like the way yours looked.

[@whittling]

Thanks for the suggestion, my daughter wants me to make a wood burning tutorial. If I have a really small carving I will use a sharpie. Some carvers have a small branding iron made with their logo on it then they heat it and burn their signature/logo into their carving. I just use a wood burning pen and try to make it look nice.

[@roythomas9554]

On the back of your can of 209 it says highly combustible

[@whittling]

Hi Roy, Yes the 209 includes solvents and other highly combustible elements. Although I liked the results and the advantages of using 209 versus BLO I have stopped using the 209. Now I use filtered walnut oil which is non-toxic and I'm very happy with it! Happy carving!

[@bradtate158]

Hey jack what would it look like if you don't use the antiquing solution and just stop after you apply the polycrylic stuff

[@whittling]

Hi Brad, in the video you can see exactly what it looks like before I apply the antiquing solution.

[@csullivan9571]

In the video Did he say to dip the carving into Minwax 209? Wished he would have shown the front of the wood stain can…

[@whittling]

Hi! Sorry for the confusion. Yes, I dipped the carving in “MINWAX Natural 209” wood finish.

[@blujul8850]

I watched this after I finished carving my snowman and am getting ready to paint him. I noticed that you used the natural 209 in a different sequence for the snowman. I like what you said here about using it first so the paint doesn’t come out blotchy. I don’t have any 209, but I found a can of pre-stain conditioner. Have you ever tried it? Do you think It would work the same way as the 209 and keep the paint from being blotchy?

[@whittling]

I haven’t tried a pre-stain wood conditioner but from what I’ve read it’s designed to help prevent uneven color when you apply wood stain. You might test on a small area or a piece of scrap wood. I reckon it will provide good results. Thanks for your comment!

[@robertholt2217]

Totally enjoyed the lesson, one of the best I have found. Do I need to put another coat of clear finish on for protection after it is finished? Would a Minwax high gloss hurt it? Thanks again for the great job.

[@whittling]

Hi Robert! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I usually end with the antiquing but you can add a finishing coat of polyurethane. I prefer the Minwax water-based polycrylic with the matte finish. I tend to avoid a glossy look.

[@mymgb238]

I have been looking for a good Valentine carving and somehow overlooked this despite carving most if not all your other carvings(just finished several angels including a butternut) I use paint sticks as I come from songbird carving where they are necessary and keep several. Have drilled a hole in ba small 2x4 to insert stick while drying paint if I don’t use a small hairdryer. Question on this: did you sand before applying any finishes? Keep up the great work!

[@whittling]

The Butternut angel sounds really cool! I’ve never used paint sticks, sounds like you have a good method for using them. I didn’t do any sanding on this piece and only rarely use sandpaper at all. Thanks for your encouragement!

[@mymgb238]

@@whittling if I knew how to send you a picture of the Butternut,I would. I am 78 and don’t use a Twitter,IG,or Facebook. You are making a paint stick but using a dowel with a wood screw. I have always used sheet rock 2 1/2” screws. High end artist stores call them paint sticks. When song bird carving I generally made 2 at a time( powercarved) and painted one and let dry on my 2x4 while I examined the correct paint color. Now in a healthcare facility,all power carving equipment gone and I have resorted to small caricature things like you,Linker and that Chinese Dado guy does. So,thanks for your ideas and if I knew how to send you butternut Angel,I would send. I give everything away but take pictures

[@whittling]

@@mymgb238 OK, got it. Yes the paint stick is definitely a useful tool. unfortunately I don't know of any method for you to share a picture here in the KZbin comments. It's great that you're still carving and that you found a way to continue even without your power carving tools. Happy carving!

[@Mr.Monster1313]

Could use gunstock oil for a starting sealer before paint or no ?

[@whittling]

That’s an interesting question. Most gun stock oils are made from a blend of linseed oil and other natural oils. It may also contain some drying agents to help it dry more quickly. Although I haven’t tried it, I think it would probably work well.

[@brucekearley8971]

Hi, I am very new to carving & just recently came across your channel. I really enjoy it both from your expertise & your very helpful instruction. I wanted ask about the min wax you use after you finish carving & the solution you apply after painting & the solution you use for the antiquing. Thanks so much. Bruce I am writing from St. John’s, Newfoundland &Labrador, Canada.

[@whittling]

Hi Bruce! Thanks for posting your comment and for your questions. In the video tutorial I used Minwax 209 Natural Wood Finish. More recently I have replace the Minwax 209 for a more natural (less toxic) product. Now, I use Mahoney's Finishes Filtered Walnut Oil. This is not distilled walnut oil as sold in the supermarket. I apply the walnut oil after carving and before painting. Then after painting I apply the Minwax water-based polycrylic as a sealer. The last step is antiquing with a mixture of Minwax Aged Oak Gel Stain and Mineral Spirits.

[@eldoncrew2152]

Sir. I really like your style of carving. And found your yoga Gnome. I have been trying to find aged old antique Gel Stain. For some reason I can't find it. Can you maybe help me out with finding it. And I really like the colors that you use. Goes together very well. I definitely will be following your site. Thank you.

[@whittling]

Hi Eldon! Thanks for your very kind comment, I really appreciate it. The “Aged Oak” gel stain is one of the many wood stain products that can be purchased from the MinWax company website. You might also find it by shopping for it on the Amazon website.

[@MrShep75]

With the poly acrylic, why did you brush it on versus dipping the carving into the can?

[@whittling]

The polycrylic is much thicker than the wood stain that I dipped the Gnome in earlier. I prefer to use a brush because I can clean up the brush with water. Wood stain on a paint brush requires cleaning the brush with mineral spirits. Also, The polycrylic can is tiny unlike the wood stain can.

[@Caseydog3]

What would be the purpose of putting the 209 at the beginning if you are covering it with paint? Just asking..excellent work you should have more subs

[@whittling]

Hi Casey! The 209 helps to condition the wood. It soaks down into the wood, raises the grain, and helps to avoid blotchy patches when you paint. A coat of filtered walnut oil is a good alternative to the 209. Of course, you can skip this step if that’s your preference. Thanks for your question!

[@Caseydog3]

@@whittling Thanks 👍

[@whittling]

@@Caseydog3 My pleasure Casey!

[@carsonpayne7330]

What shade of gel-stain did you use in the antiquing mix??

[@whittling]

Hi Carson, It's MINWAX Aged Oak Gel Stain.

[@schnittteisen]

Thank you so much! Is the antique finish water based as well? I dont know the terms you were using...

[@whittling]

Hello, I’m happy to answer your question. The antique finish is not water-based. It’s a mixture of mineral spirits (like a paint thinner) and Gel stain (a type of wood stain). I hope this helps you. There’s also a post here in the comments about alternative mixtures for those who live in Europe.

[@schnittteisen]

@@whittling Thank you!

[@whittling]

@@schnittteisen My pleasure, happy to help.

[@Wherethewindblows524]

Oh I didn't know blo was boiled linseed oil. U ever see the build of on a can of that stuff. A guy I know uses it and he left it here once. I was shocked people would be using it on spoons.

[@whittling]

I’ve never used BLO Gary. I’ve seen the build up that you mentioned and I’ve heard enough negative comments about it to stay away from it.

[@Wherethewindblows524]

@@whittling I know and people soak the work that goes into spoons in it. I never used it either a kid came over used my drill press forgot it here. It can b mixed to thin oil based paints too. Yuk

[@michealwagnon2444]

I sure like the look. Could you email a copy of the pattern?

[@whittling]

Hi Michael I’m happy to share the pattern with you. Tell me your email address and I’ll send it to you.

[@ld2653]

hi. what email can I send pics of my gnome. It looks great and I would like to share. I dont use Facebook theses days.

[@whittling]

Hi, please send it to [e-mail] note that I used letter “z” in Couzin for the email address. Thanks!